Babylon Fire - Dark Horizons

BABYLON FIRE is band from Manchester (United Kingdom). It has been on since 2007 and playing Heavy Metal with modern echoes. In 2009 their self-released a 4 track EP. “Dark Horizons” is their fantastic debut full-length album released not a while ago.

Opening song of the album is called “The Clarion Call”. It begins with very hard hit and immensely strong guitar riffs in the vein of the groovy ZAKK WYLDE. Attacking drums & clear type singing by the vocalist makes this song really nice to listen. It's accessible, melodic rhythms on all counts, and feels fresh, young energy. Mark Dunford can lay down vocals with power, truly amazing. Within the song there is animating guitar solo and fantastic guitar riffs like in the likes of IRON MAIDEN. However, there is a turn as near the finish line the vocal pattern changes into screamo / growl type, something like SLIPKNOT. “Darkness Draw Me In” is a bit more modern, more GODSMACK oriented, yet the chorus is more traditional oriented with a melodic singing with clean vocals of course. Nonetheless, the aggressiveness continues in the later moments of the track while BLACK LABEL SOCIETY oriented riffing stretches its hold. I also enjoyed the song "Shattered Crown" that hits with a melodious chorus and BABYLON FIRE's heavier end. "Blood In Blood Out" strides through a destructive onslaught along with crushing riffs and drumming, a very dynamic and robust tune, somewhat a bit Thrashy following the modern cutting edge ofMACHINE HEAD. There is also a cool chorus with tuneful singing with great energies. Personally I found it a little reminiscent to KILLSWITH ENGAGE.“Stripped Away” battles through following the lead of PANTERA, Dunford is a powerhouse on this one reminding a mix of Sully Erna (GODSMACK) & Chad Grey (MUDVAYNE). Listen to this awesome guitar solo and the rhythms, these guys are playing as if they were veterans.

On “Demonocracy” is a changing of pace, PANTERA's groove like spirit and singing clear mix with screamos, clearly shows a few new ideas by this band. “Gates To Oblivion” is temperate 1 minute instrumental. Following its accord, but changing rapidly into savagery, there is “Wrath Of The Fallen” with an enticing melodic guitar riffs. "Cycle Of Addiction" proved that it is great from the get go with amazing guitar playing and drumming. Guitarist Rishi Mehtaseems to cling hard to ZAKK WYLDE's manners, I can't say that I don't like. Nice intro of guitar riffs, again the same as BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, on “Rise Through Babylon” that is another energetic track on this album. The prologue is a fine demonstration of the Mark Cooper's skills. The longest track on the album lasts over 8 minutes and it was named “I Still Remember”. Crossing the lines of STONE SOUR, it melds a smooth alternation between clear melodies to screaming howls and growls with great rhythm section and lead fretwork, an impressive hints of a varying atmosphere.

BABYLON FIRE created an album with powerful & heavy songs establishing a notable posture with great melodies. The guys seem to have their own style, I don't believe that many created such a style of music. Every song on this album is different, not too much reprising, just music with passion. Mark Dunford proves that his voice is amazing with multipurpose singing like a chameleon. I liked especially his melodic vocals. This album will undoubtedly be liked surely will by fans of modern Heavy Metal. Despite that the album's title, “Dark Horizons”, I'm sure that there will be only light in the band's future. I'm interested in what the guys will offer us in the future and I can't wait for new tracks.

Tracklist:

1. The Clarion Call2. Darkness Draws Me in3. Blood In Blood Out4. Stripped Away5. Demonocracy6. Shattered Crown7. Gates To Oblivion8. Wrath Of The Fallen9. Cycle Of Addiction10. Within The Mouth Of Madness11. Rise Through Babylon12. I Still Remember